Patents by Inventor Marc A. Unger

Marc A. Unger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080088952
    Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Geoffrey Facer, Barry Clerkson, Christopher Cesar, Neil Switz
  • Patent number: 7307802
    Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 7291512
    Abstract: A valve structure comprises an elastomeric block formed with first and second microfabricated recesses separated by a membrane portion of the elastomeric block. The valve is actuated by positioning a compliant electrode on a first side of the first recess proximate to and in physical communication with the membrane. Where the valve is to be electrostatically actuated, a second electrode is positioned on a second side of the first recess opposite the first side. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the compliant electrode and the membrane to be attracted into the flow channel. Where the valve is to be electrostrictively actuated, a second electrode is positioned on the same side of the recess as the compliant electrode. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the electrodes to be attracted such that elastomer membrane portion material between them is compressed and bows into the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20070196912
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Facer, Robert Grossman, Marc Unger, Philip Lam, Hou-Pu Chou, Jake Kimball, Martin Pieprzyk, Antoine Daridon
  • Patent number: 7250128
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Jian Liu, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7216671
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen Quake, Markus Enzelberger, Mark Adams, Carl Hansen
  • Patent number: 7217367
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microfluidic chromatography apparatus comprising a microfabricated fluid delivery system and a chromatography column which is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, and a method for producing and using the same. Preferably, the chromatography column comprises an OTLC, PCLC, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Jiang Huang, Hou-Pu Chou, Marc A. Unger
  • Publication number: 20070059494
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen Quake
  • Patent number: 7169314
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • Publication number: 20070004031
    Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Publication number: 20070004033
    Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 7144616
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • Patent number: 7118910
    Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Weinecke, Geoffrey Facer
  • Patent number: 7097809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device for synthesizing an array of compounds and methods for using the same. In particular, the microfluidic device of the present invention comprises a solid support base, an elastomeric layer attached to the solid support, and a plurality of flow channels located within the interface between the solid support and the elastomeric layer. In addition, the solid support comprises a functional group for forming a bond with a reactive reagent. In some embodiments, the microfluidic device further comprises a second plurality of flow channels that intersect the first plurality of flow channels. A plurality of control channels are also present in the microfluidic devices of the present invention. The control channels can be actuated to regulate flow of fluids within the flow channel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael Van Dam, Marc A. Unger, Stephen R. Quake
  • Patent number: 7075162
    Abstract: A valve structure includes an elastomeric block formed with first and second microfabricated recesses separated by a membrane portion of the elastomeric block. The valve is actuated by positioning a compliant electrode on a first side of the first recess proximate to and in physical communication with the membrane. Where the valve is to be electrostatically actuated, a second electrode is positioned on a second side of the first recess opposite the first side. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the compliant electrode and the membrane to be attracted into the flow channel. Where the valve is to be electrostrictively actuated, a second electrode is positioned on the same side of the recess as the compliant electrode. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the electrodes to be attracted such that elastomer membrane portion material between them is compressed and bows into the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20060118895
    Abstract: A valve structure comprises an elastomeric block formed with first and second microfabricated recesses separated by a membrane portion of the elastomeric block. The valve is actuated by positioning a compliant electrode on a first side of the first recess proximate to and in physical communication with the membrane. Where the valve is to be electrostatically actuated, a second electrode is positioned on a second side of the first recess opposite the first side. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the compliant electrode and the membrane to be attracted into the flow channel. Where the valve is to be electrostrictively actuated, a second electrode is positioned on the same side of the recess as the compliant electrode. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the electrodes to be attracted such that elastomer membrane portion material between them is compressed and bows into the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20060099116
    Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. Microfluidic devices of the present invention comprises a first elastic layer, a fluid flow channel within the elastic layer; and a means for providing a fluid sample from the fluid flow channel to an analytical device. The present invention also provides an analytical apparatus comprising such a microfluidic device and an analytical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Mycometrix Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Manger, Cunsheng Hao, Marc Unger
  • Patent number: 7040338
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • Publication number: 20060093836
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface modified polymer comprising a surface which is covalently bonded to a surface modifying compound. Formation of the covalent bond between the polymer and the surface modifying compound is achieved by a reaction between an intrinsic functional group that is present in the polymer and the functional group of the surface modifying compound. By using a polymer having an intrinsic functional group, a separate surface activation step is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Jiang Huang, Shoujun Xiao, Marc Unger
  • Publication number: 20060054228
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen Quake, Jian Liu, Mark Adams, Carl Hansen